Stuffed character toy comprising reversible sequin embellishments

ABSTRACT

Described is a therapeutic stuffed character toy for children. The stuffed character toy is covered with a bed of sequins that are flipably coupled to a surface of the stuffed character toy. The sequins can be colored differently on both sides so that interesting and fun patterns can be formed by flipping some of the sequins as a finger is dragged across the bed of sequins.

BACKGROUND I. Field of Use

The present application relates to the toy industry. More specifically, the present application relates to therapeutic stuffed character toys for children.

II. Description of the Related Art

Stuffed animals have been popular with children for hundreds of years, traditionally, serving as playthings for children. However, such playthings have never allowed children to play with such stuffed animals in any way other than in the traditional sense: as pretend pets or friends.

Moreover, more and more children today are experiencing psychological and emotional distress, such as autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and many others.

It would be desirable to offer stuffed animals to children who may suffer from these psychological and emotional disorders that stimulate these children an a way that heretofore has been lacking.

SUMMARY

The embodiments described herein relate to a stuffed character toy. In one embodiment, the stuffed character toy comprises a surface that forms a three-dimensional likeness of a character, stuffing inside the three-dimensional likeness, sequins disposed on at least a portion of the surface, each of the sequins comprising a first surface having a first appearance and a second, opposing surface having a second appearance different than the first appearance, the sequins flipably attached to the surface to display either the first surface or the second surface.

In another embodiment, a method is described, comprising A method of constructing a stuffed character toy, comprising cutting fabric into patterns, the fabric comprising a bed of flipable sequins coupled thereto, each of the sequins comprising a first side and a second side, sewing the patterns together to form a hollow body in a likeness of a three-dimensional character, filling the hollow body with stuffing, arranging the sequins to expose the first side of each of the sequins, and coloring the first side of at least some of the sequins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. The features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description as set forth below, when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like referenced characters identify correspondingly throughout, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a stuffed character toy comprising “flipable” sequins on a large portion of the surface of the stuffed character toy;

FIG. 2 illustrates the stuffed character toy shown in FIG. 1, having all of the sequins flipped over, exposing a second side of the sequins;

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of several sequins as they are being flipped from one side to the other by a user's finger;

FIG. 4 illustrates the stuffed character toy as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, where only some of the sequins have been flipped;

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a stuffed character toy comprising flipable sequins;

FIG. 6 illustrates the stuffed character toy as shown in FIG. 5, having all of the sequins flipped over to expose a second side;

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of a stuffed character toy comprising flipable sequins, this time with the sequins in a hexagon shape;

FIG. 8 illustrates the stuffed character toy as shown in FIG. 7, having all of the sequins flipped over to a second side;

FIG. 9 illustrates yet still another embodiment of a stuffed character toy comprising flipable sequins;

FIG. 10 illustrates the stuffed character toy as shown in FIG. 9, having all of the sequins flipped over to a second side; and

FIG. 11 illustrates yet still another embodiment of a stuffed character toy comprising flipable sequins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are embodiments of a stuffed character toy featuring whole or partial surfaces comprising reversible sequin embellishments. Each of the sequin embellishments (otherwise referred to herein as “sequins”) comprises a first surface and an opposing second surface, each of the surfaces contrasting one another in appearance in terms of color, texture, print, and/or pattern.

The stuffed character toy (the “Toy”) comprises a plush toy in the form of a three-dimensional likeness of any animal, cartoon character, comic book character, etc. The Toy may be filled with any one or more known materials for creating plush or stuffed toys, such as cotton, neoprene rubber or the like. The “skin” or surface of the Toy can be made from a fabric that is pre-made with sequins that have been “flipably” attached to the fabric by means that allows them to be flipped, exposing a second side of the sequins. Alternatively, the sequins may be attached to the fabric after the fabric has been formed into a desired character shape.

The sequins comprise a first side and a second side that are contrasting in appearance. As the sequins lay in a first position, exposing the first side, a first appearance is formed on a surface of the Toy, the first appearance comprising a particular, overall color, texture, or pattern. Some or all of the sequins may be re-positioned by a user, such as a child, by swiping the sequins by hand, thus flipping the sequins over, exposing a second side, different in appearance than the first side, to form a second, particular, overall color, texture and/or pattern. Some or all of the sequins may be flipped back and forth at the will of the user.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a Toy 100 comprising “flipable” sequins 102 on a large portion of a contoured surface, or “skin”, of the Toy. In this view, all of the sequins 102 are laying flat in a first position, exposing a first surface of all of the sequins, which forms a first aesthetic appearance of the Toy. In this embodiment, all the sequins are the same color (purple) and texture (smooth) on this first surface. In other embodiments, some portion of the Toy surface or skin may comprise sequins having a different color, pattern, shape or texture than other portions.

FIG. 2 illustrates the Toy 100 shown in FIG. 1, having all of the sequins 102 flipped over, exposing a second side of the sequins. In this embodiment, all of the sequins are laying in a second position, exposing a second surface of all of the sequins, which forms a second aesthetic appearance of the Toy. In this embodiment, all the sequins are the same color (blue) and texture (smooth) on this second surface, but different in appearance and/or texture, then the first surface of the sequins. As before, in other embodiments, some portion of the Toy may comprise sequins having a different color, pattern, shape or texture than other portions.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of several sequins 102 as they are being flipped from one side to the other by a user's finger. Each sequin is attached to the fabric independently near an edge of each sequin, allowing each sequin to flip about the attachment point to the fabric. The sequins partially overlap each other, forming a “bed” of sequins, where some sequins may be flipped by their proximity to other sequins that are in contact with a human finger. The sequins remain positioned in either a first side, shown by sequins 102 a exposing a first sequin surface, or a second side, shown by sequins 102 b exposing a second sequin surface, by the inter-locking nature of the sequins. Such a fabric with flipable, interlocking sequins is manufactured by Telio brand, among others. In this embodiment, the sequins are each attached via a hole 104 formed through an edge of each sequin and sewn to the fabric with thread 106 passing through the hole and through the surface. In other embodiments, the sequins may be attaching using alternative methods, such as by gluing or some other method known in the art.

FIG. 4 illustrates the Toy as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, where only some of the sequins 102 c have been flipped. The appearance of the Toy in FIG. 4 may result from a child's fingers running over the surface of the Toy, flipping any sequins that come in contact with the fingers, creating interesting and fun patterns on the surface of the Toy. Additionally, some sequins not in direct contract with the finger may also be flipped, by the interlocked nature of the sequins. The ability for children to create fun and interesting patterns on the Toy may impart a therapeutic or soothing effect on some children.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a Toy 200 comprising flipable sequins. In this embodiment, all of the sequins are laying on a first side, some sequins 202 comprising a first color arranged to form a first striped pattern, as shown, and other sequins 204 comprising a second color to form a second striped pattern on the surface of the Toy. FIG. 6 illustrates the same Toy 200 as in FIG. 5, having all of the sequins flipped over to expose a second side of each sequin. The sequins have been colored to form an overall spotted surface design on the surface of the Toy, as shown, with some sequins 206 comprising a pink color forming spots, and other sequins 208 colored blue that form a background for the spots. Thus, some sequins may comprise the same color on both sides, while other sequins may have different colors on each side, and the color on a first side of any sequin could be the same or different than other sequins, while the color on a second side may also be the same or different than other sequins.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet still another embodiment of a Toy 300 comprising flipable sequins, this time comprising sequins each in a hexagon shape, as shown. In this embodiment, all of the sequins are laying on a first side, and the sequins have been colored to form an overall striped rainbow design appearance on the surface of the Toy. FIG. 8 illustrates the same Toy 300, having all of the sequins flipped over to a second side. Each of the sequins have been colored to form an overall spotted surface design on the surface of the Toy, in colors different from colors used on the first side of the sequins. Thus, by running one's hand over the surface of the Toy 300, the overall appearance of the Toy 300 may be changed from rainbow striped to spotted and back again.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet still another embodiment of a Toy 400 comprising flipable sequins. In this embodiment, all of the sequins are laying on a first side, and at least some of the sequins have been colored to form a graphic of a sports team logo 402 on the surface of the Toy 400. FIG. 10 illustrates the same Toy, having at least some of the sequins flipped over to a second side, displaying a second, perhaps rival sports team logo 404. Some sequins may comprise the same color on both sides, for example sequins outside of the area of the logos, forming a background for the logos. Thus, by running one's hand over the surface of the Toy 400, the overall appearance of the Toy 400 may be changed from one sports team to another and back again.

FIG. 11 illustrates yet still another embodiment of a Toy 500 comprising flipable sequins. In this embodiment, a different stuffed character is being demonstrated (i.e., a fox) than the one shown in FIGS. 1-10, highlighting the point that a Toy can take virtually any shape, with the sequins covering extremities, such as arms, legs, and tail, as well as the head. Thus, sequins are not necessarily confined to a central area of a Toy. In FIG. 11, sequins cover most of the fox's surface area, except for the nose/mouth area, the ears, and the bottoms of the feet. All of the white sequins are laying in a first position along with most of the sequins that are colored brown. However, some of the brown sequins have been flipped over to their second side to form a red heart 502 on the fox's belly. A user may create any shape or pattern on the surface of a Toy by flipping certain sequins to form a desired shape or pattern.

There is virtually no limitation to the variety of patterns and colors that may be displayed by the sequins. The patterns, graphics, and designs on any Toy may be created through the use of sequins that have been pre-colored. The sequins may be colored, in one embodiment, by manufacturing a Toy with some or all of the surface covered in reversible sequins, each sequin comprising the same color front and back, or one side comprising one color, and the second side comprising another color. To form a pattern, graphic, or design on the surface, the sequins are generally all arranged so that they are lying on one side, then colored patterns, graphics, or designs may be applied to the surface using stenciling techniques, screen printing techniques, stamping techniques, etc. In other example, some sequins are flipped over to their second side, and these sequins are colored to form a desired pattern, graphic or design, such that the pattern, graphic or design is displayed when at least these sequins are flipped over to their second side.

In other embodiments, different colored sequins are selected during the skin manufacturing process, selecting sequins of various colors, patterns and/or shapes in order to form a first, overall appearance of a pattern, graphic, or design when the sequins are lying in a first position, and a second, overall appearance of a pattern, graphic, or design when the sequins are lying in a second position. It should be understood that a pattern, as used herein, could refer to a uniformly-colored surface.

One of the advantages of creating Toys with a flipable sequin surface is that it may produce calming effects for users. It allows users to “fidget” with the Toy, which has been proven to be beneficial for many types of people, including children.

It should be understood that the sequins may all be the same size and/or shape, or that in other embodiments, some sequins may have different sizes and/or shapes from others. It should also be understood that all of the sequins may comprise a first surface the same in color, pattern, and/or texture, while a second, opposing surface may all comprise a different color, texture and/or pattern than the first surface. In other embodiments, the color, texture and/or pattern of some sequins on the first surface may be different than other sequin's color, texture and/or pattern.

Generally, a Toy featuring flipable sequins is manufactured by forming patterns on a fabric, cutting the fabric in accordance with the patterns, then sewing the patterns together to form a hollow body in the form of a 3-dimensional character in the form of a desired animal, cartoon character, object, etc. Before stitching the last seam, stuffing is forced inside the Toy, using common materials such as cotton, foam rubber, or other soft or spongy material. Then, the seam is stitched together, enclosing the material inside. The fabric used to construct the Toy may be purchased having flipable sequins attached thereon, or sequins may be attached in a flipable manner, as mentioned above, after the Toy has been constructed, or during such construction process. The entire Toy surface may be covered with such sequins, or only portions thereof. In many embodiments, the sequins may act as fur for the Toy.

The sequins may be colored before or after they are attached to the surface. For example, a Toy may be constructed, with all of the sequins comprising a silver color. The sequins may be arranged so that a first side of each sequin is exposed. Then, a pattern, graphic, design and/or texture may be applied to the sequins, coloring them in accordance with the selected pattern, graphic, design and/or texture. The sequins may then be flipped, exposing the other side, and the same or a different pattern, graphic, design and/or texture may be applied.

The disclosed device is unique when compared with other known devices and solutions because it provides a toy that invites relaxation; a stuffed character design; and sequins that are attached to the fabric of the toy design that are able to flip over to expose first or second contrasting side, while remaining attached to the fabric.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are many possible modifications to be made to the specific forms of the features and components of the disclosed embodiments while keeping within the spirit of the concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, no limitations to the specific forms of the embodiments disclosed herein should be read into the claims unless expressly recited in the claims. Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. 

I claim:
 1. A stuffed character toy, comprising: a surface that forms a three-dimensional likeness of a character; stuffing inside the three-dimensional likeness; sequins disposed on at least a portion of the surface, each of the sequins comprising a first surface having a first appearance and a second, opposing surface having a second appearance different than the first appearance, the sequins flipably attached to the surface to display either the first surface or the second surface.
 2. The stuffed character toy of claim 1, wherein the character comprises an animal.
 3. The stuffed character toy of claim 1, wherein the character comprises a cartoon character.
 4. The stuffed character toy of claim 1, wherein the first surface of each of the sequins comprises a first color, and a second surface of each of the sequins comprises a second color.
 5. The stuffed character toy of claim 4, where an overall appearance of the sequins forms one or more stripes against a solid background when the sequins are arranged having the first surface exposed and at least some of the sequins flipped to expose the second surface of each flipped sequin.
 6. The stuffed character toy of claim 4, where an overall appearance of the sequins forms one or more spots against a solid background when the sequins are arranged having the first surface exposed and at least some of the sequins flipped to expose the second surface of each flipped sequin.
 7. The stuffed character toy of claim 1, wherein the sequins comprise a first color on the first surface, and some of the sequins comprise a second color on the second surface.
 8. The stuffed character toy of claim 1, wherein the first side of the sequins is colored to form a sports team logo on a portion of the stuffed character toy when the sequins are arranged to show the first surface, and the second side of the sequins are colored to form a second sports team logo on the portion of the stuffed character toy when the sequins are arranged to show the second surface.
 9. The stuffed character toy of claim 1, further comprising: one or more extremities extending from the surface, at least one of the one or more extremities comprising additional sequins, the additional sequins flipably attached to the at least one extremity.
 10. The stuffed character toy of claim 1, wherein each of the sequins comprises: a hole located near an edge of each sequin; wherein each sequin is sewed to the surface via a thread that passes through the hole and the surface.
 11. A method of constructing a stuffed character toy, comprising: cutting fabric into patterns, the fabric comprising a bed of flipable sequins coupled thereto, each of the sequins comprising a first side and a second side; sewing the patterns together to form a hollow body in a likeness of a three-dimensional character; filling the hollow body with stuffing; arranging the sequins to expose the first side of each of the sequins; and coloring the first side of at least some of the sequins.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: arranging the sequins to expose the second side of each of the sequins; and coloring the second side of at least some of the sequins.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein coloring the first side of at least some of the sequins comprises: coloring the first side of at least some of the sequins to achieve an overall appearance of a sports team logo.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: arranging the sequins to expose the second side of each of the sequins; and coloring the second side of at least some of the sequins to achieve an overall appearance of a second sports team logo. 